Health Advisory remains in effect for Boggy Bayou following wastewater spill

In Brief:

🚨 Boggy Bayou remains under a health advisory after a July 4 wastewater spill.
🚱 Drinking water is not impacted, but residents are urged to avoid the bayou until further notice.
🧪 The City of Valparaiso continues testing and will lift the advisory once water quality meets state standards.

VALPARAISO — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) continues to advise residents to avoid Boggy Bayou after a wastewater release on July 4, as water quality testing remains ongoing.

Drinking water supplies have not been affected by the spill, according to officials.

Health officials warned that wastewater-contaminated waters may contain untreated human sewage, which can carry dangerous microbes capable of causing gastrointestinal illnesses and other diseases. The department is urging anyone who comes into contact with the bayou to wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.

Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face greater health risks, according to the advisory.

The City of Valparaiso is actively testing water quality and will continue to monitor it until the results meet state safety standards. Once the waterway is deemed safe, the advisory will be lifted through a future announcement.

For additional information on potential health risks associated with wastewater exposure, residents can contact the DOH-Okaloosa at 850-689-7859 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.